The Detroit Lions have made improvements to their defense this offseason, but for as many tweaks as they have decided on, there is still a question regarding if they have made enough game-changing moves.
Detroit's defensive backfield is in major flux considering the duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will start training camp on the PUP list. Along the defensive line, the Lions are hoping Alim McNeill returns to his old self, while relying on Tyleik Williams to step up. They are also counting on Derrick Moore or DJ Wonnum to provide sacks opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Interestingly enough, there's yet another chance for the Lions to boost their defense ahead of the 2026 season. On Monday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea requested a trade. He wants a new contract, and the request could simply be designed to light a fire under the Buccaneers.
Still, there's a chance that Vea is actually finished with Tampa Bay. In that instance, the Lions need to be keeping tabs on this situation the rest of training camp and just before the season. The franchise once again has more questions than answers along their defensive line, and will be depending on some major "if's" coming true to have success.
The Lions hope Levi Onwuzurike comes back healthy this season, and if so, he could be a force capable of playing a huge role. McNeill will need to have not lost a step off his previous injury, and Williams will need to continue to evolve. Moreover, names like Tyler Lacy, Mekhi Wingo and Chris Smith will have to emerge for depth's sake and provide solid snaps.
On paper, the Lions would seem to be in good shape, but Vea is one of the best interior defenders in the NFL. His presence would immediately take pressure off McNeill to carry the entire load, in addition to depending on Williams to be NFL ready in his second season. It would also help Detroit's pass rush to evolve given Vea's ability to shut down opposing run games.
Adding Vea might not be a need as it stands now for the Lions, but it could provide the team a clear upgrade that could tip the scales for their defense this season. In a critical year, it could be the move that gets them over the hump for good.
Kacy Rodgers seems to have early faith in Detroit's defensive interior
Last year, the Lions relied heavily on Roy Lopez and DJ Reader to shoulder the load in the middle. Some of that was by necessity given McNeill's injury recovery and the rookie status of Williams. Both Lopez and Reader are both now gone, which will put pressure on everyone else to play well.
Rodgers, for his part, knows it will be hard to compensate for the loss of a pair of solid professionals. Even such, he likes what he has seen from the young players up front as well as some of the depth the Lions have created after the offseason in the middle of the line.
"(Replacing them), that's hard duty, first of all because we were fortunate enough last year to have two guys I felt like were starting-tier caliber guys in the NFL backing each other up. So, that's a good problem to have. And then when you look at what we've got now, we got some young, talented guys that we're kind of feeling around to see what they can do. We feel like we'll be okay."
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Feeling like a team will be alright and actually being alright on the field are two separate issues. The Lions are likely to let things sort themselves out in-house first and see what their younger players can give them. That's been their hallmark under Brad Holmes.
In the event that any don't seem up to the challenge or an injury strikes, they should call on Vea very quickly. He could tip the scales for the Lions, and turn plenty of questions on defense into immediate strengths.
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